Plasma Physics

Graduated student of Plasma Physics study programme is able to solve physical problems individually or in teams, primarily in the field of experimental physics, plasma physics, gas discharge and vacuum physics. Graduate knows the basic methods of experimental physics and is able to apply them. They can apply acquired knowledge of plasma physics and plasma technologies in other fields to create and use computer models of physical phenomena and processes, and expertly use vacuum or plasma equipment. Study of Plasma physics study programme is a precondition for the continuation to the third degree of education (PhD), especially in the study programme Plasma Physics.

The study programme consists of three compulsory modules: Plasma physics, Experimental physics and Diploma thesis, one block of compulsory-elective courses and one block of elective courses. Completing the module of compulsory courses, the student acquires knowledge on the basics of plasma physics, electrical discharges in gases, processes in plasma and plasma radiation, diagnostics, diagnostic and analytical methods in plasma, preparation for the diploma thesis defence. The student can obtain 52 credits from the compulsory courses and 10 credits for a successful diploma thesis defense and taking the state examination from plasma physics. Other 42 credits are in the compulsory-elective module, of which 28 credits is the minimum number in order to successfully complete the programme.

Profile subjects: Plasma Physics (1) and (2), Plasma Diagnostics, Electrical Discharges in Gases, Elementary Processes in Plasma, Plasma Utilisation, Vacuum Physics and Technology, Diploma Thesis Seminar, Diploma Thesis, Modelling in Plasma Physics, Plasma Radiation, Practical Exercises in Vacuum Physics and Plasma Physics.

The information on individual courses of the study plan of Plasma Physics is stated in the Course information sheets (criteria of assessment, syllabi and recommended literature).

With the diploma thesis, the student has to demonstrate the ability to independently acquire theoretical and practical knowledge based on the current state of science and creatively apply, use and develop them. The final thesis will be prepared by the student under the guidance of the thesis supervisor. The supervisor of the final thesis will prepare a written report on the final thesis and propose its evaluation. The final work is assessed by the opponent. The opponent will prepare a written report on the final thesis and propose its evaluation.

Examples of successful final theses of our students:

• Electron Impact Excitations of Astrophysically Relevant Molecules
  supervisor: RNDr. Juraj Országh, PhD., student: Mgr. Barbora Stachová
• Porovnanie účinnosti rôznych zdrojov neizotermickej plazmy na povrchovú úpravu biologického materiálu
  supervisor: doc. RNDr. Anna Zahoranová, PhD., student: Mgr. Sandra Ďurčányová
• Monte Carlo Particle in Cell (MCC/PIC) simulácie mikrovýbojov
  supervisor: prof. Dr. Štefan Matejčík, DrSc., student: Mgr. Ján Ďurian
• Štúdium disociatívnych procesov nárazom elektrónov na organických molekulách
  supervisor:RNDr. Matej Klas, PhD., student: Mgr. Ján Blaško
• Porovnanie elektrón-molekulových a elektrón-klastrových procesov
  supervisor: RNDr. Peter Papp, PhD., student: Mgr. Dušan Mészáros
• Využitie plazmy generovanej v kvapalnom prostredí v procese povrchovej úpravy materiálov
  supervisor: doc. Mgr. Dušan Kováčik, PhD., student: Mgr. Patrícia Multáňová
• Detekcia ftalátov metódou iónovej pohyblivostnej spektrometrie kombinovanej s hmotnostnou spektrometriou (IMS-MS)
  supervisor: RNDr. Ladislav Moravský, PhD., student: Mgr. Jana Hrdá
• Štúdium plazmou asistovanej kalcinácie kompozitných submikrónových vlákien
  supervisor: RNDr. Veronika Medvecká, PhD., student: Mgr. Juraj Surovčík

The study programme is of inter-disciplinary character, in which obtained knowledge is applied in various scientific fields (molecular physics, chemistry, spectroscopy, electronics, biology, medicine). Graduates have got a wide range of employment opportunities, not only in higher education programmes in form of doctoral studies, but also in research facilities, such as the Slovak Academy of Sciences, universities and other research facilities in SR or abroad. The active international cooperation of the department and frequent scientific research stays of researchers and students of the study programme are of evidence. Various areas of industry which are concerned with research and development in the field of electronics, materials, surface modification, nanotechnologies, plasma technologies in biomedicine, chemistry, pharmacy and other high value-added fields are equally relevant for the graduates' employment. Graduates also find applications in the energy industry or in the development of process control and automation in industry. The possibility of establishing spin-off companies focused on the development of highly specialized products and services based directly on research results cannot be neglected either.